Salaries at NCSU

At North Carolina State University (NC State), located in Raleigh, North Carolina, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with STEM fields generally commanding higher compensation due to market demand. The university operates within the framework of the University of North Carolina system, which provides some level of transparency through public salary databases for state employees. However, specific salary bands or detailed breakdowns for every position may not always be publicly accessible, and individual compensation can depend on negotiations, grants, or additional responsibilities.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$90,000 USD annually, depending on the department. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research funding or teaching load.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $90,000–$120,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty often see raises tied to tenure, publications, or administrative duties.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $120,000–$160,000+ USD annually. Seniority, leadership roles, and external grants can push compensation higher.
• Department Chair: Compensation often falls between $130,000–$180,000 USD per year, reflecting additional administrative responsibilities and oversight.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally range from $40,000–$60,000 USD annually, varying by experience and scope of role.

Salaries at NC State are generally competitive within the public university sector, particularly for a research-intensive institution. Compensation is often benchmarked against other UNC system schools and regional peers, though it may lag behind private universities or institutions in higher-cost areas. Faculty and staff can expect periodic salary adjustments based on performance reviews, state budget allocations, and promotion to higher ranks. For those in research-heavy roles, securing external funding can significantly supplement base pay, while administrative positions may offer stability but slower progression. Overall, NC State strives to balance competitive pay with the constraints of public funding.